Breed AppearanceDistinctive features include eyes that are very
clear, of yellowish or amber hue, hindquarters as high or a trifle
higher than the shoulders, and a double-coat that tends to wave on
shoulders, neck, back, and loins. The waterproof coat feels slightly
oily and is often associated with a slight musky odor. Three basic
colors are generally seen in the breed: brown, which includes all
shades from a light to a deep dark brown; sedge, which varies from a
reddish yellow through a bright red to chestnut shades; and
deadgrass in all its shades, varying from a faded tan to a dull
straw color. The breed standard states that white may also appear
but it must be limited to the breast, belly, toes, or back of the
feet. The head is round and broad with a medium stop and muzzle. The
lips are thin, and the ears are small and of medium leather. The
forelegs should be straight with good bone. The hindquarters are
especially strong and the toes webbed since excellent swimming
ability is important for the Chesapeake. This breed is also known
for its large and powerful chest, used to break apart ice when
diving into cold water while duck hunting.

HistoryThis breed was developed in the northeastern
United States, in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, where he is
used for his exceptional hunting skill in swampland. He is thought
to have been developed by crossing the canine survivors of a
shipwreck off the coast of Maryland in 1807 with the Curly-coated
Retriever, the Flat-coated Retriever, the Otterhound, the Irish
Setter, and Irish water dogs. He was first shown in Baltimore in
1876. The first standard was written in 1890, and a breed club was
founded in 1918. He is rare in Europe, despite being a fairly old
breed.

BehaviorTough, very hardy, tireless, courageous, and
lively, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a remarkable swimmer, even
in icy waters. He is used on duck. Calm and devoted to his owner, he
is rough-mannered but never brutal. He makes a good watchdog. He
needs very firm training.

HealthChesapeake Bay Retrievers have been recently
described with a unique skin disorder comprising trauma-induced Skin
Fragility and congenital Ectodermal Dysplasia, which is similar to
Ectodermal Dysplasia/Skin Fragility (ED/SF) in humans. At birth,
affected puppies skin is lobster pink with blistering on the
footpads. Over the first 48 hours, they develop more severe
blistering and pealing of the skin on their faces, limbs, and feet.
Their skin is extremely fragile and tears easily. There is currently
no treatment for this disease. View a complete report and link for
the DNA test. You dog can be tested to see if they are clear or a
carrier. Results then can be used in a breeding program so no two
carriers are bred together thus producing the disease in the
offspring. They are also prone to eye problems and hip dysplasia.

AdviceHe needs space and lots of exercise, as well as
regular brushing.